EP 154 County Councilman David Santiago

Final reminder Synergy Billing’s 20th Anniversary celebration tonight, 5:00–9:00 PM at the former Wyotech site, 470 Destination Daytona Lane. As I’ve said before, it’s being redeveloped as the Fountainhead Innovation Center under Jayson Meyer, with plans for modern office space for local businesses and builders.

If you have any questions, call or text 566-2140.

News from Tallahassee……

Special Session has been moved/expanded: it now runs April 28 - May 1 with a focus on 3 items…..

• Congressional Redistricting
• AI Bill of Rights
• Medical Freedom Act

 

First Step Shelter’s Exec Victoria Fahlberg announced her resignation with a May 10 departure date…SO the Board is seeking to find her replacement. At a special meeting April 20, the board asked her to stay on through the search process and re-enlisted HR recruiter Leslie Bonner at no cost.

April 21 - Ormond Beach City Commission had a workshop regarding the Neighborhood Improvement Division, in order to consider property maintenance code enhancements, improve internal efficiencies and expand enforcement to better uphold community standards

 

April 20 - Deland City Commission

• approved an Ordinance stating that e-bikes and micromobility devices are prohibited on downtown sidewalks and requires helmets for riders under 18 years of age….
• purchased 1.45 acres at 1201 East NY Ave from Mountain of Faith Ministries for $145,000 to build a new fire station serving the growing east side near SR 44.

 

Quentin Beckton was recently appointed as the Police Chief of Lake Helen following a unanimous selection by the City Commission.

 

April 23 - SunRail Central Florida Commuter Rail Commission Board meets today, 1:30 PM LYNX Central Station Admin Bldg in Orlando.

SunRail’s advisory board is 5 Local Funding Partners (Orlando, Osceola, Orange, Seminole, and Volusia). CC Chair Jeff Brower is Volusia’s representative on this Board.

 

Volusia’s ECHO Grants-In-Aid program is starting its 2026 grant cycle. ECHO grants are competitive and pay for buying, restoring, building, or improving projects for public use that protect the environment, preserve culture or history, or provide outdoor recreation.

 

City of Daytona Beach Shores’ Public Safety Dept recently completed its 2026 accreditation review by the Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission and retained its coveted “Excelsior Status.”

 

April 21 - County Council appointed

• John Reid and Julie Rand to the Daytona Beach Racing
• and Recreational Facilities Authority
• Dana McCool as District 5 rep on the Volusia Forever
• Advisory Board
• Emma Santiago to the Tourist Development Council (TDC)

In Congress this week….

• Senate Republicans introduced "Protecting American Taxpayers Act" to get back projected $200 billion in federal fraud losses….could impact any business that operates on federal grants or contracts i.e. healthcare providers and nonprofits
• House is revisiting Housing legislation to target institutional investors buying up single-family homes in an effort to ease affordability pressures and it could change alter the inventory landscape in high-growth areas like Volusia.
• Energy & Commerce deregulation bills with the intent to speed up project approvals for broadband expansion and energy production.
• US currently has 3.3% inflation and rising energy costs due to global instability. Congress is feeling heat from the Federal Reserve’s hawkish stance on interest rates, which is why there’s an urgent focus on "cost of living" legislation and anti-fraud measures.

County Councilman expressesd his views regarding…..

• County’s $368 general fund budget and items that might impact the FY 2026-27 budget….
• Volusia Forever program
• Stormwater Management/Flood Control
• Development in UNincorporated County